Yesterday we saw the final group games of Group A and B and it was every bit as exciting as we could have hoped for. There was so much drama in the final matches, as the teams looked to progress into the next round. Here are the highlights:
Group A
The fate of the Group A teams had already been decided to go into the final matches, with Uruguay and Russia having already accumulated six points each to guarantee their place in the last 16. They were playing for the top spot in Group A without knowing who they would play in the next round.
Saudi Arabia 2 -1 Egypt
Mo Salah added another wonder goal to his collection but it was last-minute heartbreak for him and his team as Saudi Arabia scored late on to win 2-1. The third game lost at the World Cup compounded a campaign that had clearly been affected by Salah’s injury. At one stage in the game, it looked like they would leave Russia with a win after their 45-year-old goalkeeper saved a penalty but it was not to be.
Uruguay 3 – 0 Russia
The dream start for the hosting nation came to an end with a heavy 3-0 defeat to Uruguay. With both Suarez and Cavani hitting form just at the right time, Uruguay fans will be hoping their team will continue to play at this level. Russia will no doubt be quite happy to be going through to the next round.
Group B
When this group was first announced, everyone’s immediate thoughts were that Portugal and Spain would breeze into the next stages. The great thing about football is that not everything always goes to plan and both teams were left to sweat it out over their fate.
Spain 2 – 2 Morocco
As the game moved into stoppage time, Morocco had an unlikely 2-1 lead until Iago Aspas flicked the ball into the net. Initially, the referee rules the goal to be offside but VAR was called upon and that decision was reversed, leaving each team to pick up a point each.
Iran 1 – 1 Portugal
This one went down to the wire, as Iran almost snatched the three points, which would have seen Portugal going home. Mehdi Taremi had a great chance to score the winner but missed, to leave him re-living that moment probably for the rest of his life.
Group B was filled with tears, penalties, VAR decisions and other controversies but it was great to watch from neutral football fan’s point of view.
Round of 16
Uruguay has set up a mouth-watering match against Portugal, whilst Russia takes on mighty Spain. The excitement is really starting to build now for this World Cup and there have still not been any goalless matches!
